The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Read More: Will you help me choose what toner is suitable for me? Note that the numbers in parentheses 1, 2, etc. I also noticed that this did a good job keeping my oils at bay. Nonetheless, witch hazel might still work for you. For centuries, Native Americans used witch hazel for its soothing properties. In other words, while witch hazel fights acne, it also keeps your skin even and toned. Add a few cloves for flavor and soak for at least 15 minutes.
In the world of natural ingredients, witch hazel has a somewhat exaggerated reputation as the solution to an endless list of problems. But just how effective is witch hazel for skin and other problems. Aside from the anecdotal information you may have read, the research is mixed. Witch hazel can indeed help skin when used as a short-term remedy, but witch hazel for oily skin use is a problem, no matter your or concern. The witch hazel plant, Latin name Hammamelis virginiana, is a flowering shrub that grows wild throughout a good portion of North America and Asia. The plant extract itself is also used in topical ointments, although the toner-like liquid form is far more common for skincare and home remedies. Like many plant-derived substances, witch hazel is a source of several antioxidants, many of which benefit skin; however, one main antioxidant is a group of chemicals known as tannins. Applied to skin, tannins have a constricting and drying effect. The tannins in witch hazel are sensitizing. Depending on the part of the witch hazel plant used to make it, witch hazel naturally contains between 8% and 12% tannins. In addition to the tannins, almost all types of witch hazel are distilled using denatured alcohol ethanolwith the extract containing about 14% to 15% alcohol. By the way, while a 14% to 15% alcohol content might seem low, research has shown that even of alcohol can damage skin. Another concern related to long-term use of witch hazel is the volatile oil it naturally contains. This oil is a source of the potent fragrant sensitizerwhich is definitely not good for skin. Taking the best care of your skin requires using ingredients that contain only the good stuff, and none of the bad stuff. Witch Hazel for Acne and Blemishes A lot of people wonder if witch hazel can clear up acne on the face or witch hazel for oily skin. In truth, the irritation caused by the witch hazel can make blemishes worse. For certain, witch hazel is not a replacement forone of the gold standard anti-acne ingredients. Stick with what years of research has shown. Witch Hazel for Oily Skin Witch hazel for oily skin also receives a lot of interest. As we mentioned above, most of the witch hazel preparations contain between 14% and 15%an amount that can significantly irritate skin. It comes down to this: Using witch hazel to control oily skin can end up making it worse. Find out what research has shown works to get. Witch Hazel as a Makeup Remover or Cleanser Should you use witch hazel as a makeup remover or cleanser. This poor performance might lead to you pull and tug at your skin, unlike how a works. All that extra pulling can hasten skin sagging. Witch hazel as face wash. Using a witch hazel face wash shortchanges your skin of all the benefits a gentle facial cleanser can provide— and such products are much easier to use. Does Witch Hazel Get Rid of Puffy Eyes. However, witch hazel cannot reduce or eliminate that occur with age. Witch Hazel Home Remedies Keeping a bottle of witch hazel around the house for occasional use can make sense. References for this information: Dermatitis, November-December 2017, pages 353—359 The International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions, 2016, pages 501—522 The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, May 2014, pages 36—44; and May 2008, pages 20—25 Journal of Inflammation, October 2011, ePublication Journal of the German Society of Dermatology, October 2010, pages 788—796 Chemical Research in Toxicology, March 2008, pages 696—704 Robbers, J.
